Indonesia’s strongest tornado on record

Last week, Indonesia experienced its strongest tornado on record, injuring at least 33 people and causing extensive damage to hundreds of buildings in the West Java province, according to government officials.

Indonesia’s strongest tornado on record hit West Java Province at 16:00 LT on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, prompting immediate response and investigation by local authorities and scientists.

Erma Yulihastin, a climatologist with the government’s research body BRIN, announced plans to “reconstruct and investigate the tornado,” noting its similarity to the more violent tornadoes typically observed in the northern hemisphere.

The tornado’s path included the sub-districts of Cicalengka and Rancaekek in Bandung Regency, as well as Jatinangor and Cimanggung in Sumedang Regency, causing significant injuries and damage. At least 30 people suffered injuries, predominantly from being struck by debris from houses and trees.

Hadi Rahmad, a spokesman for the West Java disaster mitigation agency said over 800 families were affected by the disaster, with 13 factories and 10 houses in Sumedang and an additional 18 factories and 233 homes in Bandung sustaining damage.

More incredible footage of the tornado that hit Jatinangor, Sumedang Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia 🇮🇩
| 21 February 2024 |#Tornado #Indonesia #Jatinangor #angintopan pic.twitter.com/KUHFcSfIHL

— Disaster Tracker (@DisasterTrackHQ) February 21, 2024

Whoahhh!!

A massive #tornado hit #Rancaekek, West Java in Indonesia this afternoon 🌪️

I’ve stitched together 4 video clips- credit to the people who took them 🙏 pic.twitter.com/u25ICPrf4S

— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) February 21, 2024

Footage of the tornado dissipating in Jatinangor, Sumedang Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia 🇮🇩
| 21 February 2024 |#Tornado #Indonesia #Jatinangor #angintopan pic.twitter.com/NTSmgU6D81

— Disaster Tracker (@DisasterTrackHQ) February 21, 2024

Formation of the tornado that hit Jatinangor, Sumedang Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia 🇮🇩
| 21 February 2024 |#Tornado #Indonesia #Jatinangor #angintopan pic.twitter.com/XrNxbiN8jJ

— Disaster Tracker (@DisasterTrackHQ) February 21, 2024

References:

¹ Indonesia investigates after first large-scale tornado strikes – Reuters – February 22, 2024

² Large tornado hits West Java, damaging hundreds of homes and injuring 30 people, Indonesia – The Watchers – February 21, 2024

Featured image: Disaster Tracker (stillshot)